A woman from Syria had lived with a growing tumor for seven years. She wanted it removed completely while preserving a natural appearance, but several hospitals had turned her away. By the time she arrived at the Department of Breast Oncology at Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, the tumor had grown to 15 centimeters. In a single operation, the team achieved what she had been told was impossible.
Her case is not unique. Over the years, patients from more than 20 countries across five continents have sought treatment at this hospital in southern China. They came from the U.S., the UK, France, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand and elsewhere.
A handwritten thank‑you letter from the Syrian patient
From following to leading
In 2003, Dr. Wang Kun, now Vice President of the Cancer Hospital and Director of the Department of Breast Oncology at Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, was among the first experts in China to translate the U.S. NCCN Guidelines into Chinese and promote them nationwide.
He went on to study advanced techniques from abroad and explore neoadjuvant therapy, which uses chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy to shrink tumors before surgery. This approach can make surgery options, including breast-conserving procedures, possible for some patients whose tumors were initially inoperable or considered of high risk.
Beginning in 2016, Dr. Wang led a clinical study of neoadjuvant therapy for triple-negative breast cancer. Five years later, the new regimen achieved a pathologic complete response rate of 61.4%, 22.8% points higher than the 38.6% achieved with the conventional regimen. The study has since been cited in the NCCN Guidelines.
"This was the first neoadjuvant breast cancer study from China to be cited in the NCCN Guidelines," Dr. Wang said. "For years, we were learners. Now, however, we have developed a new regimen that can improve outcomes not only for patients in China, but for patients worldwide. That is something we are proud of.
Clinical outcomes on par with leading international standards
The department's clinical outcomes are now comparable with those reported in developed countries. For patients with stage I breast cancer, the five-year survival rate approaches 95%, while breast-conserving surgery is performed in 50% to 70% of cases, a rate comparable to those in Europe and the U.S. Ductal carcinoma in situ accounts for 20% of all cases, an important international indicator of early detection.
The team also uses minimally invasive procedures for early intervention in high-risk patients. "We can prevent progression beyond the precancerous stage," Dr. Wang said, drawing on the traditional Chinese medicine principle of preventing disease before it develops. This proactive approach has become a cornerstone of the department's clinical philosophy.
As the department's reputation has grown, the number of international patients seeking treatment there has also increased. Dr. Zhu Teng, an attending physician, once treated a young Australian man with asymmetric breast development.
The patient said he would have faced a three-month wait for surgery in Australia's public hospital system. At Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, however, his entire hospital stay lasted only three days: examinations and a multidisciplinary consultation on the first day, surgery on the second, and drain removal and discharge on the third.
"We consulted with the Department of Plastic Surgery and the Department of Radiology before deciding on a periareolar incision," Dr. Zhu said. "After surgery, the scar was barely visible, and the cosmetic outcome was excellent. The result fully met the patient's expectations."
Care that crosses borders
For international patients traveling long distances, having a seamless care experience can be just as important as receiving clinical expertise. The hospital has therefore streamlined every stage of the process.
Dr. Chen Yitian, another attending physician, said international patients can complete admission procedures independently via the hospital's WeChat Mini Program upon arrival. The department also provides dedicated in-person assistance to help them navigate the process.
Many international patients are surprised by the affordability of medical care in China, Dr. Zhu said, adding that most have commercial health insurance covering nearly all their expenses. After discharge, the team provides English-language discharge summaries and postoperative care instructions, along with follow-up support from a dedicated English-speaking team.
Dr. Wang Kun participates in an international conference to share his research achievements.
"The world is one family," Dr. Wang said. "No matter where patients come from or what nationality they are, we, as medical professionals, sincerely do everything we can to provide them with the best possible care."
Address:4th Floor, No. 123 Huifu West Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province
Telephone: 020-81884713-80420
Reporter | Chen Jinxia
Poster | Lai Meiya
Video | Guo Hongda
Photo | Department of Breast Oncology at Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital
